SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 697
Statistics → Epidemiology
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Probability
Question Stem
A study reports P = 0.01. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
Options
A
The observed result would occur by chance approximately 1 time in 100
B
There is a 1% probability that the null hypothesis is true
C
There is a 99% probability that the treatment is clinically effective
D
The result must be clinically important
E
The observed result would occur by chance approximately 5 times in 100
Explanation
Probability describes the frequency with which an event would occur at random. A P value of 0.01 corresponds to a chance frequency of approximately 1 in 100. Statistical significance does not establish clinical importance.
Option Validity
B) the P value is not the probability that the null hypothesis itself is true.
C) statistical probability does not provide a 99% probability of clinical effectiveness.
D) statistical significance and clinical significance are distinct concepts.
E) approximately 5 in 100 corresponds to P = 0.05, not P = 0.01.
Further Reading
Review probability, P values and the distinction between statistical and clinical significance.